May092018

New ‘Explore tab, Your match, For you’ and More Google Maps Features Launched

Starting in the next few months, Google is making its Maps platform more assistive and personal with new features rolling out globally on Android and iOS.

At I/O Google unveiled new functionalities, including a new “Explore” tab, brand-new features around “Your match” and “Group planning” and a new “For you” section.

Redesigned ‘Explore tab’ a new hub for anything “new and interesting” and “nearby” shows dining event and venues, and activity options based on the area people checking out on Google Maps. You can see new redesigned Explore tab in action in the GIF below:

Below you can see events, activities and top lists options around you:

‘Your match’ kicks of when you tap any food or drink venue and show you a number that suggests how likely your are to enjoy a place along with reasons. The feature uses machine learning to generate this number based on factors such as “what we know about a business, the food and drink preferences you’ve selected in Google Maps, places you’ve been to, and whether you’ve rated a restaurant or added it to a list,” said Google.

Google added, Your matches evolve over time as your own tastes and preferences changes.

Here is an animated image of Your match:

Group planning become easier with a new feature making coordinating with people much easier—-you simpley long press and add interested places to a shareable shortlist, which can appended with more places and voted by people your share it with. Once a decision is made together, you can then book a reservation and find a ride on Google Maps.

GIF animations below shows add places to a shortlist, Vote on where to go:

“For you” a new tab lets you choose to follow neighborhoods and dining spots you want to try for your next outing.

Here is a GIF that shows The For you tab in action:

Lastly, updates to Google Maps directions is bringing Augmented Reality (AR) to help navigate and find places in the right direction—especially if your are new to an area—you are seeking directions for. By overlaying the way you should walk on top of the camera on your phone, a user can quickly see which way they should head.

Google Maps which is capable of thirtynine languages now offering new way to customize your drive on Maps for iOS. Starting today, you can now swap out classic blue navigation arrow with a new “stylish sedan, a timeless pickup truck, or a speedy SUV” icon depending on your mood.

Also, a single tap on the arrow while in driving navigation mode let you select a vehicle of your choice.

New vehicle icons for Google Maps for iOS

Update 06/21: Google has removed the ability that lets book rides with Uber directly through the Maps app.

The feature which was around since 2017 is now removed without any announcement. However, there is an update made to the “Request a ride” help page stating:

“You can no longer book Uber rides directly in Google Maps. But you can still look up the route in the Maps app and then request the ride from the Uber app.”

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Deepak Gupta is a IT & Web Consultant. He is the founder and CEO of diTii.com & DIT Technologies, where he's engaged in providing Technology Consultancy, Design and Development of Desktop, Web and Mobile applications using various tools and softwares. Sign-up for the Email for daily updates. Google+ Profile.